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2005 Nissan Altima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Altima years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Altima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

908 reports with mileage · 183 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 351 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 259 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 141 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

48 crash reports18 fire reports44 injury reports

Suspension complaints

21 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineSeat Belts

2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TO INCLUDE BRAKES, TRUNK LEAK, RELAY SWITCH *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, IT HAD BEEN TRADED TWO DAYS PRIOR, AND THE SAFETY INSPECTION HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER, HE COULD KEEP IT OVER THE WEEKEND AND BRING IT B…

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2005 NISSAN ALTIMA. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TO INCLUDE BRAKES, TRUNK LEAK, RELAY SWITCH *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, IT HAD BEEN TRADED TWO DAYS PRIOR, AND THE SAFETY INSPECTION HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER, HE COULD KEEP IT OVER THE WEEKEND AND BRING IT BACK THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY FOR THE SAFETY INSPECTION SO THEY COULD REPAIR ANY PROBLEMS. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED HOME WITH THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A COVER FOR THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR WAS NOT ATTACHED AND THERE WAS STANDING WATER IN THE SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TRUNK PROBLEM WAS FIXED. HOWEVER, WATER WAS FOUND IN THE SPARE WHEEL WELL AGAIN. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO A FAULTY GAS RELAY SWITCH. THE CONSUMER STATED TWO WEEKS LATER, THE BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY COMPANY STATED THE BEARINGS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY COMPANY STATED THEIR DENIAL OF COVERAGE WAS BASED ON THE FACT, THE VEHICLE WAS FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE. UPDATED 07/19/12

NHTSA ODI #10409757

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSeat BeltsSuspension

2005 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS ISSUES WITH TIRES AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT GOOD WITH PHONE CALLS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ON HER THIRD SET OF TIRES AT 22,000 MILES. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE HAD WEAK AXLES AND WERE OFTEN MIS-ALIGNED AT THE FACTORY. EVEN WITH THE PROPER MAIN…

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2005 NISSAN ALTIMA HAS ISSUES WITH TIRES AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT GOOD WITH PHONE CALLS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ON HER THIRD SET OF TIRES AT 22,000 MILES. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE HAD WEAK AXLES AND WERE OFTEN MIS-ALIGNED AT THE FACTORY. EVEN WITH THE PROPER MAINTENANCE, THE MIS-ALIGNMENT WOULD RETURN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO INSTALL A CAR SEAT, BUT SHE SOON DISCOVERED, THE REAR SEAT BELT DID NOT CATCH AS IT SHOULD HAVE AND IT DID NOT RECOIL WHEN IT WAS NOT BEING USED. THE FAN WOULD BLOW AND WORK IN ALL POSITIONS, BUT THE ONLY TIME IT WOULD BLOW WARM OR HOT AIR WAS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS IN USE AND RUNNING FOR 10-15 MINUTES. THE WINDOWS WOULD DEFROST ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT NOT THE INSIDE. IT WOULD FORM A THIN LAYER OF ICE AND FOG THAT HAD TO BE SCRAPED OR WIPED WITH WARM WATER, OR IT WOULD EVENTUALLY FADE AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME TIME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10259010

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2008
Suspension

I HAVE HAD MY RIGHT FRONT STRUT REPLACED 2 TIMES. IT IS NOW BAD AGAIN. THEY HAVE ALSO RETORQUED THE SUSPENSION AND REPLACED THE STRUT MOUNT. THE NOISE DOESN'T STOP. PROBLEM STARTED AT 29,000 MILES AND CONTINUES AT 43,000. THE NOISE CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AND NISSAN ONLY REPAIRS IT BECAUSE OF BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU ARBITRAT…

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I HAVE HAD MY RIGHT FRONT STRUT REPLACED 2 TIMES. IT IS NOW BAD AGAIN. THEY HAVE ALSO RETORQUED THE SUSPENSION AND REPLACED THE STRUT MOUNT. THE NOISE DOESN'T STOP. PROBLEM STARTED AT 29,000 MILES AND CONTINUES AT 43,000. THE NOISE CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AND NISSAN ONLY REPAIRS IT BECAUSE OF BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU ARBITRATION ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235700

37,000 miles · Apr 16, 2008
SuspensionCrash

AN ACCIDENT HAPPENED AFTER PURCHASE BUT IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR ... I HAVE PROBLEMS STARTING CAR , SHOCKS, STRUTS, HEAT, SHIFTING AND REMOVING KEYS FROM IGNITION .... THE CAR WAS SUPPOSED TO BE CERTIFIED PRE OWNED AND WAS NOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224720

38,000 miles · Jan 15, 2008
Suspension

THE ALTIMA'S STOCK OF FRONT STRUTS ARE DEFECTIVE. THIS IS SUBSTANTIATED BY A LOT OF NISSAN ALTIMA OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10214956

5,000 miles · Jan 7, 2008
Suspension

THE QUALITY OF THE REAR SUSPENSION ON THE 2005 ALTIMA IS POOR. THE BACK END OF THE CAR SAGS A LOT WITH ONLY ONE PASSENGER IN THE BACK SEAT. WHEN I HAVE MORE THEN ONE PASSENGER IN THE REAR, THE EXHAUST BANGS ON THE PAVEMENT WHEN PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY OR PARKING LOTS. I'VE NOTICED THIS ON ALL 2005 ALTIMAS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10214019

35,550 miles · Oct 10, 2006
Suspension

I TOOK MY CAR FOR AN ALIGNMENT, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE REAR SUB-FRAME ON MY CAR IS BENT. THUS, THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE COMPLETED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAUSE WAS EITHER A REAR-END COLLISION, DAMAGED DURING TRANSPORT OF THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, OR A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I CANNOT SAY WHICH OF THE LATTER TWO IS T…

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I TOOK MY CAR FOR AN ALIGNMENT, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE REAR SUB-FRAME ON MY CAR IS BENT. THUS, THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE COMPLETED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAUSE WAS EITHER A REAR-END COLLISION, DAMAGED DURING TRANSPORT OF THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, OR A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I CANNOT SAY WHICH OF THE LATTER TWO IS THE CAUSE, BUT I AM MOST CERTAIN THAT IT IS NOT DUE TO THE FIRST, A REAR-END COLLISION (OR ANY TYPE OF COLLISION), AS THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT SINCE PURCHASED. MY 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA WAS PURCHASED AS NEW IN MARCH 2005. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE CAR WITHOUT CHARGE TO ME. THEREFORE, NISSAN HAS NOT INSPECTED MY CAR. TO ADD, MY CAR IS STILL UNDER 36K/36 MONTHS AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I JUST PRAY THAT I AM NOT ON THE HIGHWAY SHOULD ANYTHING GIVE DUE TO THE SUB-FRAME BEING BENT. AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH NISSAN'S HEADQUARTERS, WHICH I AM STILL WAITING TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10170386

2,000 miles · Jun 14, 2006
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

NEW 2005 ALTIMA 3.5 SE BOUGHT AUGUST 2005 1ST MONTH I HAD NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AT HIGH SPEEDS, AND THE VEHICLE PULLING/DRIFTING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THIS CONCERN MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE A SENSE OF CONTROL WHEN DRIVING, IN ADDITION WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIM…

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NEW 2005 ALTIMA 3.5 SE BOUGHT AUGUST 2005 1ST MONTH I HAD NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AT HIGH SPEEDS, AND THE VEHICLE PULLING/DRIFTING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THIS CONCERN MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT HAVE A SENSE OF CONTROL WHEN DRIVING, IN ADDITION WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME THE VIBRATION IN THE WHEEL MAKES YOUR HANDS AND ARMS FALL ASLEEP. IT IS ALWAYS NECESSARY AFTER AN HOUR OR HOUR AND A HALF TO PULL OVER AND GIVE YOUR ARMS/ HANDS A REST. THE DEALER ADDRESSED THIS CONCERN BY BALANCING THE WHEELS BY ROAD FORCE BALANCE (CORRECTED SPECS - 21LBS ROAD FORCE DOWN TO 7LBS) NO ALIGNMENT ISSUES WERE NOTICED. AFTER 3 TIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE VIBRATIONS I HAD NOTICED A CLUNK IN THE FRONT END, IT ENDED UP BEING A STRUT THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WITH THE NEXT TRIP THE DEALERSHIP THE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WAS NOW EVIDENT AT ALL SPEEDS, IT WAS STILL DRIFTING, AND A NEW "HUM" HAD DEVELOPED AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER UNABLE TO VERIFY ANY OF MY CONCERNS SUGGESTED THAT I GO FOR A RIDE WITH THE SERVICE MANGER. AFTER THAT RIDE HE SUGGESTED THAT I HAVE MY TIRES SWAPPED FOR NEW ONES OF ANOTHER BRAND. ON MY NEXT TRIP TO THE DEALER THEY SWAPPED ALL 4 OF MY TIRES FOR ANOTHER BRAND NAME AND RE-ALIGNED THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND FRONT END. THROUGHOUT THE WINTER THE CAR RAN OK OTHER THAN SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT WOULD KILL MY BATTERY AND THE REAR PILLAR AIRBAGS COMING OUT. IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE SPRING THAT I WAS FORCED TO BRING MY CAR DOWN AGAIN FOR THE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE CLUNK IN THE FRONT END. THE DEALER COULD NOT VERIFY ANY CLUNK IN THE FRONT END BUT AGREED THAT THERE IS AGAIN A VIBRATION AND REMEDIED THE PROBLEM BY ADJUSTING THE STEERING RACK PRE-LOAD. INITIALLY THE VIBRATION WAS REDUCED, BUT WITHIN A MONTH IT WAS BACK. THE SERVICE MANAGER ADMITTED THAT ADJUSTING THE STEERING RACK PRE-LOAD WAS ONLY A "TEMPORARY FIX" A "BANDAID FOR THE PROBLEM". *JB

NHTSA ODI #10159797

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2006
Suspension

BACK PASSENGER CONTROL BAR (2 RODS) BROKE AT THE WELD WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSED MY CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TIRE, AND THE REAR HOUSING. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP, THIS WAS THE POOREST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER, I WAS THEN TOLD IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER EITHER WARRANTY THAT I CARRY. I WAS T…

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BACK PASSENGER CONTROL BAR (2 RODS) BROKE AT THE WELD WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSED MY CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TIRE, AND THE REAR HOUSING. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP, THIS WAS THE POOREST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER, I WAS THEN TOLD IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER EITHER WARRANTY THAT I CARRY. I WAS TOLD TO TURN IT OVER TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I FEEL THAT NISSAN IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM. THIS SAME PART HAS A RECALL IN OTHER STATES, JUST NOT FLORIDA? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I HAVE BEEN TOLD BECAUSE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS, HOW MANY EXCUSES CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH? FLORIDA DOES AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE WEATHER CONDITIONS! I HAVE OWNED 4 CARS, 3 OF THEM BEING NISSAN. I GUESS THIS SAYS THAT I'M LOYAL AND THERE NOT! I FEEL LIKE IT DOESN'T PAY TO BE A NISSAN CUSTOMER. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO UPSET AND DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN. MY CAR IS NOW AT A SECOND NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE TO SAY CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NO BETTER THERE. I FEEL I HAVE BEEN TAKEN FOR A RIDE. I BELIEVE ALL THERE IN FOR IS A SELL! IT DOESN'T PAY TO PURCHASE THE WARRANTY, IT'S A SELL AND NOTHING MORE! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10151686

11,743 miles · Aug 30, 2005
Suspension

BOTH STRUTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THE MILEAGE WAS AT 11743 FOR THE RIGHT STRUT AND LEFT STRUT AT 16753 MILES THE CAR STILL DRIVES BAD. FRONT OF CAR STILL MAKE NOISE THE LEFT BOUNCES LIKE A BASKETBALL WHEN DRIVEN ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. CAR PULL ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE. GET STUCK ON LEFT TURN. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10134691

Official recalls

1

07V527000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 14, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Nissan Altima problems